Farmhouse of the Palms

Rooms

The seven enormous rooms are beautifully styled with whitewashed walls and soothing tones of natural stone, wood and terracotta. High beamed ceilings, chunky wooden doorways and rustic wall alcoves add authentic farmhouse character, while heavenly super-kingsize beds with Egyptian cotton, Bluetooth speakers and Delta espresso makers ensure modern comfort. We loved the decorative details, too: wicker lamps and quirky art. Ensuite bathrooms in smooth polished concrete feature walk-in rain showers, fluffy waffle bathrobes and wonderfully scented artisan soaps.

The largest suite, Room 5 is the only one with a beautiful freestanding bathtub. With a master bedroom and separate twin, it’s ideal for families with older children, though many couples just enjoy the extra space. Also on the first floor is romantic Room 4, which has a rooftop terrace where you can sleep alfresco under the stars in a canopied four-poster bed. At ground level are two more stylish doubles, Rooms 1 and 2, with large terraces and far-reaching views. We stayed in Room 1 which is the smallest room of the bunch but it still seemed huge! Room No 3, overlooking the courtyard, has a small second bedroom. The latest additions, Rooms 6 and 7, are in the former stable block and showcase local craftsmanship and carpentry in a gorgeous minimalist style.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Beach towels
• Bluetooth sound system
• Coffee maker
• Hairdryer
• Mosquito net
• Satellite TV
• Terrace
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast is a highlight, served to your table on a terrace in the welcome shade of a large carob tree. It starts with a sumptuous spread of continental delights: fresh fruit smoothies and strong foamy coffee; little jars of yoghurt topped with pomegranate, kiwi and mango; sourdough bread with homemade jams, cheese and locally cured meats; eggs cooked to order; flaky croissants and pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). The options change slightly every day, but are always delicious and fresh.

A light lunch menu of salads, toasties and omelettes is available on request. Dinner is offered four nights a week (Sun, Mon, Wed and Thu) when a local chef comes to the farmhouse to prepare a Portuguese feast. We tucked into hearty local fare: fried shrimp and arroz marisco (seafood rice), accompanied by a selection of wine or beer from the honesty bar. Other regular favourites are cataplana (Algarve fish stew) and ameijoas bulhão pato (clams Portuguese-style). Otherwise, just 4km away, delightfully untouristy São Brás de Alportel has several excellent restaurants - try Casa da Barreira for tapas, or Pizzeria Forneria do Largo for good pizza and a friendly atmosphere.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Coffee maker
• Dinner on request

Activities

• Visit nearby São Brás de Alportel for local tavernas and an authentic cork factory
  
• Explore Rio Formosa natural park with its lagoons and stunning island beaches, a haven for migrating birds; take boat taxis back and forth
  
• Hit the beach: Praia Falesia (Albufeira, 40 mins) and Praia Marinha (Benagil, 50 mins) are two of the most picturesque, though there are several closer
  
• Join the locals in Loulé at the Saturday fruit and veg market; the Market Hall, with its Arabic arched windows, dates from 1908
  
• Wander the cobblestone streets of Tavira, one of the region's most beautiful towns, then take a ferry to its unspoilt island beach
  
• Hike or cycle part of the Via Algarviana to experience the magnificent scenery of the inland Algarve; Frank can arrange bike hire
  
• Play a round of golf at several top courses including Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, Quinta da Ria and Benamor
  
• Spend a morning in atmospheric Faro, with its attractive marina, medieval old town and wealth of museums
  
• Admire Roman ruins at Milreu near Estoi
  
• Back at the farmhouse, if your visit coincides, don't miss the live fado music performances, which take place fortnightly on Sundays

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Beaches
• Birdwatching
• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Well being

Kids

Families with children aged 13 and older are very welcome, and two of the rooms are family suites. The 12m outdoor pool and large gardens dotted with fruit trees offer plenty of space, and there are several beaches within a 20-minute drive.

The property is also available as a private rental for 10-18 people - an excellent option for 2-3 families together. You can take the main house or the main house + the two suites in the stables block.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Room No 5 is perfect for families, with two separate bedrooms (one master, one twin) and a spacious bathroom with freestanding tub. Room No 3 features one large double room, and a separate small double squeezed into an alcove; it’s a cosy space for a family of 3. Both rooms have plenty of living space and an outdoor terrace.

Distances:

• Airport: 15km (Faro)
• Shops and restaurants: 4km
• Hospital: 5km

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Farmhouse of the Palms is 15km north of Faro Airport, in Portugal’s eastern Algarve. Set on a hill, surrounded by picturesque valleys, it overlooks the quiet country town of São Brás de Alportel.

By Air:
Fly into Faro then hire a car. It’s an easy 20-minute drive and there’s plenty of parking on-site.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.